Police warning on trick or treating

Halloween trick or treaters are being urged by police to respect vulnerable neighbours who may be upset by unexpected visitors dressed in frightening costumes.

Police have been handing out posters to householders who do not want trick or treaters to call and have asked children to abide by them.

They said October 31 had become a night where children dressed up in frightening costumes and knocked on doors with the hope of receiving goodies - but while some householders were happy to hand over sweets, others did not want to take part.

Chief Insp Steve Kerridge said: “For vulnerable members of the community Halloween can be a frightening and intimidating experience.

“We have created a poster people can download and display in their homes asking trick or treaters not to call as well as some tips for trick or treaters to ensure everyone has a pleasant evening.”

Police said trick or treating children should be accompanied by a responsible adult, should be told that vulnerable people could be frightened by unexpected callers, to only knock at houses where they knew they would be welcome and to respect any ‘no trick or treating’ signs.

The posters can by downloaded at www.cambs.pnn.police.uk/A-Z/Halloween, on Facebook and Twitter and are available from Huntingdon and St Neots police stations.